The ryobi is supposedly a 20amp unit. It SHOULD handle those 2 no problem. I run 2 pm4-55 power max convertor off of a 1600w/13.2amp smarter tools Yamaha genny. I always (usually) start will fully charged batteries, I keep them on a trickle charger all week.

What's the voltage read when you first plug in the convetors? The first 15 minutes is a bulk load cycle if I recall, should be around 14.5v. Then after 15 minutes it drops down.

If I don't have 2 fully charged batteries, I will kick the overload. When that happens I run one convertor for 15, then after convertor one drops into the second cycle I plug in convertor 2.

 

I tried that, I didn't wait 15 minutes though. Should work then? Still what about the 100% deal? It still shouldn't be kicking it into overload if it can handle it no problem? Right?

 

Is there a reason you are running the convertors in series and not independently to separate batteries?

Not saying you guys aren't tripping the OL's on the generators, but you should not be seeing anything greater than 800 watts (6.66amps) of AC draw even when your converter is putting out its maximum of 55 amps.

 

Unless those converters are 24v, you shouldn't be running them as 24v. They should be hooked up to each a battery.

 

That is incorrect. I spoke personally with PowerMax tech and told him my set up and he said if you are drawing 24v then wire your two PM55's to charge at 24v, do not put one on each battery. So I rewired this winter to their specs.

So PM's in series to output 24v is correct.

 

I think JB started the thread I mention, I searched but couldn't find it.

I still don't understand why the convertor in series would be superior?

What was the explanation?

 

I think JB started the thread I mention, I searched but couldn't find it.

I still don't understand why the convertor in series would be superior?

What was the explanation?

Less wires and easier for guys like me who clamp on to the batteries and take off, Only have to run 1 set of clamps instead of 2, again, less wires! Might charge a little more even as well? Maybe? If one converter is putting out more juice than the other it would change the lives of the batteries correct? I guess I don't know but those are my guesses

 

There was a thread awhile back on powermax convertors, in that thread someone supposedly spoke to the powermax people and they recommended running the convertors in series. It was explained in said thread, but I'm no electrical engineer, so it made no sense to me why there would be an advantage to running them this way. Needless to say I was not compelled to change my setup after reading this.

I run 2 convertors to 2 separate batteries and haven't had an issue yet.

 

Think I remember something of that thread. Didn't make sense to me either.
I'm with u. If it's 12v it seems like it'd work better in a 12v system, but I'll never be accused of being an expert for sure! Lol

 

It's easier for me the way my setup is to just hook 2 clamps up instead of pulling the batteries out and hooking each up to the box

 

I never remove my batteries or convetors. Stays in the boat inside a truck tool box year round. Installed once and been working perfectly ever since that day.

 

Not sure if this is from Powermax or if someone was creative and made it. Looks good though.

 

What all are you running off the converters?

 

70# minn kota PDV2, should only be roughtly 1500w at full power. I should be able to handle it no problem.

 

Yea with charged batteries you shouldnt have a problem I have a 2400/2000 watt yamaha and its running 2 pm3-75s. Running 8 50 watt leds and a troller on it with no problem so far. I dont run the troller real hard and usually fire up the genny at the dock and let the powermax's get out of that 15 minute cycle before pushing stuff too hard.

Edit: my convertors are hooked up in series for 24v as well.

 

I would think its because you would be essentially be pulling from 2 different power sources. Even though you have two of the same converters, they may not be putting out the same amount of power. Or maybe just less wires. I would like to know as well, Im about to wire up my powermaxx.

 

I prefer them seperate. If one converter dies you can use the remaining converter to hop back and forth on your batteries in a pinch if you're fishing a tournament. I also do not see an advantage to running the converters in series, and it wasn't until recently when Powermax started doing direct consumer sales that they started to recommend this

 

I can just unplug 1 converter if it isn't working and the other will still charge a 12v, basically I have 2 of them joined to an extension cord and that plugs into my genny and if one did go out I unplug one and switch the clamp to be on 1 battery allowing me to keep going

 

Quick update, I got it working the way it should. I had a 3 inlet part so I could plug my 2 converters into it then into the generator. Well, it was rated for 15amps. Went and bought another so each powermax goes directly to the generator and it purrs like a kitten now, even when running at 10 on my troller it still barely runs louder! It's always the stupid things that are right in front of you that you don't think of :headbang: